‘Listen and learn:’ participant input in program planning for a low-income urban population at cardiovascular risk

Abstract Background Poverty increases the risk of cardiac disease, while diminishing resources available to mitigate that risk. Available prevention programs often require low-income residents urban areas do not possess, e.g. membership fees, purchase healthy foods, and safe places for physical activity. The aim this study is obtain participant input in order understand health-related goals, barriers, strengths as part planning a program reduce cardiovascular Methods In mixed methods study, we used written surveys focus groups an intervention specifically designed meet needs lower income individuals. Based on prior research, Self-Determination Theory (SDT) its core constructs autonomy, competence, relatedness theoretical framework analysis. collected information perspectives their risks barriers supports addressing health needs, how they addressed utilized supports. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using standard qualitative including paired coding development themes from identified codes. Results Participants had goals aligned with accepted approaches reducing risks, however lacked reach those goals. We found lack support three SDT constructs. participants reported suggested these basic psychological thwarted by environments. Conclusions Substantial disparities both access health-promoting must be design effective population at